Identification Cards in Connecticut

If you need an official criminal record for employment purposes or want information regarding points on your license or license status, please click here for instructions on ordering driving records directly from the Connecticut DMV.

If you need publicly available driving history information such as convictions, court records, or tickets, please continue below, an independent public record aggregator company such as TruthFinder may serve your needs.

Powerful Information At Your Fingertips

Search Warrants & More

Instantly access all types of publicly available information in one place in just a few seconds.
Search almost anyone at any time with this background check subscription service to obtain information on:

Convictions, court records, and in many cases tickets

Unlimited access to public records

First Name

Last Name

State

By checking this box, I acknowledge this service cannot be used to look up official driving records, license status, or points on a license.

Disclaimer: Truth Finder cannot be used for employment or tenant screening. Truth Finder is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Your Guide to ID Cards in Connecticut

In Connecticut, a non-driver identification card can be used as photo identification if you don't have a CT driver's license or if your license has been suspended. You can use your CT identification card for a number of things, including traveling, getting an apartment, or opening a bank account.

REAL IDs in Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles now issues both federally-compliant REAL IDs as well as non-compliant identification cards. A REAL ID allows you to use your CT ID card as approved identification for activities such as boarding an airplane or entry into federal and military buildings.

Most ID cards issued will be verified REAL IDs, but if you don't qualify, you'll receive a non-compliant ID card—details are outlined below.

CT ID Card Eligibility Requirements

If you are a resident of Connecticut, you can apply for a non-driver photo ID card at any age. You must be able to prove your:

Identity.

Social Security number.

Residency in Connecticut.

Legal status in the U.S. if you are not U.S.-born.If you have a current Connecticut driver's license, you can still apply for a CT ID card, but you must surrender your CT driver license.

You must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident to be eligible for a verified REAL ID.

Apply for a Connecticut ID Card

New Connecticut ID cards must be applied for in person. You cannot apply for a new ID card online or by mail.

You cannot apply for a new ID card at the Putnam Satellite office, any DMV Photo License Center, or any AAA office.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you must apply for a CT identification card in person at one of the following Connecticut DMV offices:

DMV Hub Office.

Enfield.

New Britain.

Norwich.

Winsted.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you must apply in person at a DMV Hub Office.

Letter from a doctor/optometrist saying that you meet the definition of being blind.

Connecticut ID Card Fees

Connecticut ID cards are valid for 7 years and will cost you:

$28 for a first-time card.

$28 to renew an ID card.

$30 to replace a lost or stolen ID card.

$30 to change your name.

$8 for a processing fee (applicable with certain municipalities).

The fee for your CT ID card:

Living in a homeless shelter and can provide a proof of residency from a Connecticut authorized shelter or transitional house the ID card is free.

An honorably discharged blind veteran. You will need to provide a DD214 and a Certificate of Blindness or a letter from a doctor/optometrist stating you are clinically blind the ID card is free.

Renew Your CT Identification Card

You must visit a Connecticut DMV office or AAA office in person to renew your Connecticut ID card. You can renew your CT ID card by mail in special situations only, and you cannot renew online.

REAL IDs & Renewals

If you currently have a standard-issue identification card, you have the option to upgrade to a verified REAL ID card when you renew—to do so, you'll need to follow the steps for in-person renewals below.

Renew in Person

The Connecticut DMV will mail you a renewal notice before your CT ID card expires. You can only renew your card if it is current or it expired less than 2 years ago.

The Centralized Issuance Operations Unit is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Change Your CT ID Card Information

Change Your Name

Before you apply to change your name with the Connecticut DMV, you must first change your name with the Social Security Administration (SSA). It may take up to 48 hours for the SSA to update your information after they process your application.

To change your name on your Connecticut ID card, you must visit a DMV office or AAA office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.

To get an address label for the back of your CT ID card, call the Connecticut DMV at (860) 263-5700 (from Hartford or outside of Connecticut) or (800) 842-8222 (from other areas in Connecticut), or any Connecticut Police Department.

Replace a Lost or Stolen CT ID Card

You must visit a DMV or AAA office in person to replace your Connecticut ID card. You can apply for a replacement by mail in special situations only, and you cannot apply for a replacement online.

Apply for a Replacement in Person

To apply for a replacement Connecticut ID card in person, you will need: